infirmity

Infirmity, n.; pl. Infirmities.

Etymology: [L. infirmitas : cf. F. infirmite. See Infirm, a.]

1. The state of being infirm; feebleness; an imperfection or weakness; esp., an unsound, unhealthy, or debilitated state; a disease; a malady; as, infirmity of body or mind. 'T is the infirmity of his age. Shak.

2. A personal frailty or failing; foible; eccentricity; a weakness or defect. Will you be cured of your infirmity Shak. A friend should bear his friend's infirmities. Shak. The house has also its infirmities. Evelyn.

Syn. -- Debility; imbecility; weakness; feebleness; failing; foible; defect; disease; malady. See Debility.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for infirmity; he lists it under disease.

Where he writes about it:

Infirmity denotes a chronic or lingering weakness or disability, as blindness or lameness. — from disease

Synonyms

disease affection ailment complaint disorder distemper illness indisposition malady sickness unhealthiness unsoundness

Antonyms

health robustness soundness strength sturdiness vigor

etymology Webster’s online